Converting original D&D and Mystara monsters

[Knightfall]

looks like the majority are going with Humanoid, which is what i was thinking anyway. there's a lot to look at here, and i'll have a good look at it when i have a moment.

The reason why mine says Monstrous Humanoid is simply because that is how the anthropomorphic template works, otherwise I would have gone Humanoid.

 

[BOZ]

I second the Humanoid type sugguestion, perhaps giving it a Feline subtype, given the comparable D&D tendency to give the reptile-like kobold and lizardfolk the Reptilian subtype

actually, you were more than second.

i know what you mean about the subtype, and like the idea of it... but its unprecedented. is that something we should leave up to individual DMs (like, for example, if a DM has tabaxi, rakasta, and caiveh in the same world, feline subtype would be great) or should we go by the humanoid standard of one subtype per race (or shared between similar)?

 

[Krishnath]

Go with the feline subtype, prevents them from being immune to rangers favored enemy bonuses.

 

[BOZ]

how's that?

 

[Krishnath]

If a ranger chooses humanoid as his favored enemy, he must specialize on a subtype such as reptilian, or elf. Or in the case of the rakasta, feline. He can't just take humanoid. I think it might be an attempt to not make the ranger to overpowered.

 

[Knightfall]

i know what you mean about the subtype, and like the idea of it... but its unprecedented. is that something we should leave up to individual DMs (like, for example, if a DM has tabaxi, rakasta, and caiveh in the same world, feline subtype would be great) or should we go by the humanoid standard of one subtype per race (or shared between similar)?

That's how I do it for my homebrewed world. The Rakasta, Tabaxi, and my own creation the Kitt (anthro cats) all have the Feline subtype. BTW, the new Catfolk race in the Miniatures Handbook lists 'Catfolk' as it's subtype. So you might want to use 'Catfolk' instead of 'Feline' to remain more in line with v.3.5.

Me, I'm just changing 'Catfolk' to 'Feline' for that creature's subtype. You can never have too many cat races, IMO. It's like having different cultures of humans to me, with some additional racial features.

Cheers!

KF72

 

[Shade]

While I think the Feline subtype is a good idea, I'd stick with the current format and give the Rakasta the subtype of (Rakasta), much like the Gnoll's is (Gnoll) and the Catfolk's is (Catfolk). I wish WOTC had come up with more subtypes for similar humanoids, but in the interest of being consistent, I'd stick to the way it is now.

 

[BOZ]

I wish WOTC had come up with more subtypes for similar humanoids, but in the interest of being consistent, I'd stick to the way it is now.

oh god, you're so right about that. you have some that are shared like goblinoid and reptilian, but after that there are dozens that apply to only one race. sheesh. i'm going to have to go with Rakasta since there's no in-print precedent for a "generic" cat-race subtype.

 

[Krishnath]

Not yet anyhow...

 

[BOZ]

and if i ever saw one, i'd rejoice.

 

[Krishnath]

Well, wasn't the tabaxi supposed to have been in the MM2? together with the Dune Horrors? It might still happen...

 

[BOZ]

was it? if it was, they pulled it... who knows, we'll see.

i'll have a good look at what we've got going so far and post some thoughts tomorrow (or tonight if i get the free time)

 

[Tzeentch]

I prefer grouping creatures as much as possible (if just because doing otherwise dilutes the usefulness of Favored Enemy), but must agree we go with the most canonical answer. It can always be changed later if WotC does a backflip and starts adding Feline subtype critters everywhere.

 

[BOZ]

that's what i'm thinking.

 

[Krishnath]

I agree.

 

[Shade]

Now that Humanoid has been decided, let's get back to converting 'em.

For the kasa, I think it should be a light exotic weapon, deal 1d4 (Medium) or 1d3 (Small), deal slashing damage (like regular claws do), crit 18-20x2, weight 2 lb., cost 30 gp (same as claw bracers and bladed gauntlets). A character using a kasa cannot be disarmed with the disarm action.

 

[BOZ]

i was just looking at claw bracers from A&EG last night.

 

[BOZ]

I have totally slacked off on the rakasta – I know I promised I’d post my thoughts a couple days ago. Well, here we go a bit late.

Stats, how about: Abilities: Str 13, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10

Skills: how about a selection from the following: Hide, Listen, Ride, Move Silently, Spot, Jump, Balance, Tumble, Climb (I also recommend the cat-like ability for using Dex mod for Climb and Jump)

Feats: unfortunately they only get one… how about one of these – Lightning Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Weapon Finesse, Alertness, Blind-Fight (and I’d be willing to make one a bonus if we agree on that)

Updated stat block coming soon (no, really!)…

 

[Krishnath]

Agree completely on abilities and skills, suggests Acrobatic or Agile as it's feat.

 

[Shade]

I am also in agreement, unless they get a sizable racial bonus to the same skills that Acrobatic or Agile grant. In that case, I'd give 'em Weapon Finesse.